First certification methodologies for permanent carbon removals
On 3 February, the European Commission adopted a delegated regulation introducing an initial set of methodologies to certify activities related to permanent carbon removals from the atmosphere.
The delegated act falls under the broader Regulation on carbon removals and carbon farming. In doing so, the EU has defined the first voluntary global standard for permanent carbon removals.
The adoption of these first voluntary certification methodologies allows Brussels to establish clear rules for businesses and investors, contributing to the creation of an emerging market for innovative start-ups, while supporting the EU bioeconomy and the objective of climate neutrality by 2050.
EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra stated: “The European Union is taking decisive action to lead the global effort on carbon removals. By setting clear and robust voluntary standards, we are not only promoting responsible climate action within Europe, but also establishing a global benchmark for others. This is a fundamental step towards achieving our climate neutrality goals and ensuring a sustainable future.”
Three types of permanent carbon removals
The new EU rules cover three types of permanent carbon removals activities: carbon removal through DAC, BECCS using biomass, and carbon removal through biochar. Thanks to these governance rules, applications can now be submitted for EU certification for projects based on these activities. This will allow the first projects under the European carbon removal framework to be certified and recognised in the coming months.
The three activities covered are:
- DACCS, Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage
- BioCCS, Biogenic Emissions Capture with Carbon Storage
- BCR, Biochar Carbon Removal
Criteria required for EU certification
To obtain EU certification, specific criteria must be met.
- The removal must be truly permanent. The carbon must remain stored for several hundred years.
- No misuse of biomass is allowed. If plants or wood are used, it is not permissible to cut down healthy forests. Waste, residues or sustainably managed timber must be used.
- Additionality is required. EU certification is granted only if it can be demonstrated that the activity would not be viable without revenue from certificates.
- The activity must take place within the territory of the European Union.
- Continuous monitoring must be ensured. Operators must be able to undergo ongoing checks.
Until now, many companies claimed to offset their emissions in unclear ways. With this delegated act, Europe establishes a single standard: holding the certificate demonstrates, based on precise scientific calculations, that CO2 has been effectively removed from the atmosphere in a permanent manner. This framework assigns a clear economic value to technologically advanced and durable carbon removal.
The framework for carbon removal certification
The CRCF Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2024/3012, established the first voluntary European framework for certifying carbon removals, carbon farming and carbon storage in bio-based construction products. The regulation is implemented through delegated acts defining certification methodologies for different types of removal activities.
In November 2025, the European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2358, setting rules on certification schemes, bodies and audits under the CRCF. Following the entry into force of the delegated acts, certification schemes may apply to the Commission for recognition for one or more certification methodologies. The Commission will assess schemes through a standardised protocol.
The Commission is also preparing two additional delegated regulations to be adopted in 2026.
- One concerns methodologies for carbon farming, including activities such as agriculture and agroforestry, peatland restoration and afforestation. These methodologies will allow farmers and foresters to receive result-based payments, supplementing their income.
- The other concerns methodologies for carbon storage in bio-based construction products. These methodologies will support building owners in demonstrating the carbon storage performance of their properties, fostering the circular bioeconomy.